Indonesia reaffirmed its strict downstream industrialization policy, making it clear that all foreign investors must conduct domestic processing of critical minerals rather than exporting raw materials. The government emphasized that this mandate applies even within new international trade frameworks, such as the recently signed reciprocal trade agreement with the United States. Officials stressed that foreign companies investing in sectors like nickel, copper, and rare earth elements must build smelters or refining facilities inside Indonesia before exporting any materials. This aligns with Jakarta’s long‑standing goal of increasing value‑added production, strengthening local industry, and securing a stronger position in global supply chains. Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that Indonesia will fully support foreign investors who commit to local processing, providing access to investment routes such as direct exploration or partnerships with Indonesian state‑owned enterprises. However, he reiterated that the government will not compromise on its core rule: no exports of unprocessed raw minerals. This stance reflects President Prabowo Subianto’s broader downstreaming agenda, which aims to transform Indonesia from an exporter of raw commodities into a competitive processing and manufacturing hub, in line with past major projects like Freeport’s multibillion‑dollar copper smelter.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/prabowo-mandates-downstream-processing-for-all-foreign-investment (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 24 March 2026